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Hamilton had questioned Alonso’s tactics after a lengthy pit stop, and FIA issued a statement detailing its ruling one hour after the qualifying placings –with Alonso first and Hamilton second – had been sanctioned by the stewards.

FIA’s statement said that McLaren kept Alonso stationary for 20 seconds after the completion of a tire change and “therefore delayed Hamilton’s own pit stop.”

“The actions of the team in the final minutes of qualifying are considered prejudicial to the interests of the competition and to the interests of motor sport generally,” the statement said. “The penalty to be applied is that such points (if any) in the Formula One constructors championship as accrue to the team as a result of their participation in the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix will be withdrawn.”

McLaren leads the constructor standings with 138 points to 111 for Ferrari.

Nick Heidfeld of BMW-Sauber will start second and Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari will start third.